Car-coupling



(No Model.)

W. QUISENBERRY.

CAR COUPLING.

No. 587,452. Patented Aug. 3,1897.

UNITED STATES ATENT FFICE.

WILLIAM QUISENBERRY, OF FORDSVILLE, KENTUCKY.

CAR-COUPLING.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 587,452, dated August 3, 1897'.

Application iiled November 4, 1896. Serial No. 611,021. (No model.)

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that LWILLIAM QUIsnNBERnY, a citizen of the United States, residing at Fordsville, in the county of Ohio and State of Kentucky,have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Oar-Couplers; and I do hereby declare the following to be a full, clear, and exact description of the invention, such as will enable others skilled in the art to which it appertains to make and use the same.

This invention relates to improvements in car-couplers; and it consists of certain novel constructions, combinations, and arrangements of parts, all of which will be hereinafter more fully described and claimed.

In the accompanying drawings, forming part of this specification, Figure l represents. an end elevation of a car provided with my invention. Fig. 2 represents a central vertical section through one of my improved couplings. Fig. 3 represents an enlarged detail perspective View of one of my improved coupling-links, and Fig. 4 represents a similar view of a modified form of link.

A in the drawings represents the car; B, the draw-head; C, the coupling-link, and D the locking piece or pin.

The draw-head B is mounted below the end of the car in the ordinary manner and is of the usual construction, with the exception that it is provided with a socket b and avertical slot b', opening into the same.

The coupling-link C is formed at each end into a conical point c, and is provided with a middle annular flange c and horizontal grooves c2. When the said link is passed into the draw-head, the annular flange c' abuts against the outer end of said head, so as to bring the groove .c2 directly below the slot b. The said link is then locked in the draw-head by the said locking piece or pin D, which projects down through the slot b' into the groove c2. The said locking piece or pin is held down in this position by a heavy spring d. The said pin D is mounted upon a pivoted lever d and is normally held down by said spring CZ. The opposite ends of the said spring are supported by a yoke or frame d2, suitably mounted upon the platform of the car and provided with vertical arms cl3 cl3, to which the outer ends of said spring are connected by links d4 d4. The said lever d is pivoted upon 011e of said vertical portions d3, the opposite end of said lever being connected to an operating-rod d5, which in turn is connected to a pivoted lever d6, operated by a cord or chain dl.

It will be observed from the foregoing description that when one of the conical points c enters the socket b of the drawhead it forces the locking-pin D upward against the tension of the spring cl until one of the grooves c2 coincides with the slot b', when said pin D again descends under the tension of the spring d, and thus locks the link firmly' in position in the draw-head.

When it is desired to uncouple the cars, a ring d8, connected to the lower end of the cord C27, is pulled downward, thus elevating the rod d5 and raising the outer end of the lever d', which carries the link-pin D therewith. The springs d are preferably constructed of grad uated layers in a manner similar to carriagesprings.

In the modified form of connecting-link shown in Fig. 4L I provide only one of the conical points and lateral grooves, the portion of the link lying to the side of the annular lange or ring being provided with an eye f, that may be secured in the ring linkand-pin coupling. rIhis form of coupling is intended for use when a car provided with my improved coupling-head and a car provided with the ordinary coupling-head are to be connected.

It will be observed from the foregoing description that while the action of the coupling is altogether automatic the parts of the same are so connected as to be positive proof against any accidental uncoupling, and a strong and effective coupling is provided.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim as new, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is-

l. In a car-coupling, the combination with a socketed draw-head having a vertical slot, of a coupling-pin adapted to be projected through said slot to engage the groove in the link, a pivoted lever carrying said pin, a bowspring engaging said lever to force the same normally down, a supporting-yoke mounted upon the truck, and pivoted links connecting IOO the upwardly-extending ends of said yoke and the ends of the spring, substantially as described.

2. In a car-coupling, the combination with a soeketed draw-head having a vertical slot, of a coupling-pin adapted to be projected through said slot to engage the groove in the link, a pivoted lever carrying said pin, a bowspring engaging said level' to force said pin normally down, and a supporting frame mounted upon the truck for supporting the ends of said spring, substantially as described.

3. In a car-coupling, the Combination with a soeketed draw-head having a vertical slot, of a coupling-pin adapted to be projected through said slot to engage a groove in the link, a pivoted lever carrying said pin, a spring for normally holding said lever down, a pivoted operating-lever mounted upon the car, a link connecting this lever and the before-mentioned lever, and a pendent cord for actuating said operating-lever, substantially as described.

In testimony whereof I have signed this speeilication in the presence of tWo subscribing Witnesses.

WILLIAM QUISENBERRY.

Witnesses:

J. I. MCCUEN, CHAS. SHOWN. 

